Counseling Commons^™

Hope-Centered Art Therapy Exploring The Emergence Of Relational Narratives In Nurturing Resilience In Children, Niloofar Ojani

Expressive Therapies Theses

This review examines the importance of hope and resilience in art therapy interventions for children by synthesizing current research on how art therapy can foster hope. The data were collected by reviewing published peer-reviewed journals, book chapters, reflective writing, and artmaking—arts-based research methods. The beginning sections delve deeply into the definition of hope and resilience in the context of adverse childhood experiences, or ACEs. Art therapy acts as a creative medium for fostering these qualities. It is discussed that creative expression contributes to emotional regulation, utilizes therapeutic intra- and inter-relationships as a source of hope, and connects the child with …

The Authentic Self In Mental Health Practitioners Through The Use Of Internal Family Systems And Character Card Creation In Art-Based Therapy, Tracy J. Evans

Expressive Therapies Theses

Mental health practitioners, or therapists, are complex beings who carry not only the trauma from their life experiences but are also presented with the undertaking of trauma stewardship for clients. This study explores how participating with clients fosters self-expression and promotes emotional regulation, while enhancing social interactions within myself. Combining the terminology from the Internal Family Systems (IFS) Model and the concept of collaged card creation from SoulCollage to create character cards, made with clients, that represent the various parts of the personality. This qualitative study on the intervention found that it provided a safe space for both clients and …

How Can Tattoos Be Understood As Intermodal Expressive Arts Therapy?: Integrating Visual Art, Personal Narrative, And Embodied Experience: Development Of A Method, Rachel S. Hall

Expressive Therapies Theses

This paper explores the inherent intermodal nature of tattoos through the lens of expressive arts therapy, demonstrating how tattoos integrate visual art, personal narrative, and embodied experience. A group intervention was designed and implemented in an outpatient setting, drawing on existing literature and the Expressive Therapies Continuum (ETC) to examine how tattoos function as therapeutic tools that support identity formation, emotional healing, and self-expression. The intervention guided participants through an intermodal process that began with reflective writing on identity-forming experiences, followed by visual art-making and somatic engagement. This approach illuminated the transformative potential of tattoo conceptualization within a therapeutic context, …

A Method For Developing Multicultural Musical Fluency: Reclaiming A Relationship With Traditional Ashkenazi Music, Rachael Penn

Expressive Therapies Theses

Counseling and music therapy scholars recommend that students and clinicians engage in self-inquiry to explore their cultural values to build multicultural competence. I created an arts-based method for deep reflection using theory and techniques in the literature regarding culture-centered music therapy, including ethnographic inquiry, the cultural unconscious, intersubjective theory, active imagination, embodiment, and artistic reflection. I engaged with music from my own cultural background, which included Ashkenazi klezmer music and Yiddish folksong, to reflect on my cultural values and to build a living relationship with the music. Thematic analysis revealed eight themes, including the function of the music, personal memories …

Healing Our Relations Emergent Folk Art Creation Community Project For Cultural Healing And Reconciliation, Renna Fir

Expressive Therapies Theses

Settler colonial disconnection from place perpetuates ongoing harm to Indigenous communities, ecosystems, and cultural systems through extraction, displacement, and erasure. This community engagement project explores how communities can develop emergent cultural practices that acknowledge historical and ongoing harms while building toward repair and right relationship. Through a series of five participatory workshops combining movement, storytelling, and folk dance creation; seven community members and three culture bearers, understood as "elders" explored their relationship with place through embodied practice. The research utilized an anti-colonial arts-based methodology centered on community wisdom while documenting the process through multiple complementary methods. Findings demonstrate that folk …

Open Studio Concept Conducted By An Expressive Arts Therapist And Art Therapy Intern As A Replacement For Art Class In Special Education, Brianna Jewett

Expressive Therapies Theses

In 2022-2023, 15% of U.S. public school students between the ages of 3 and 21 were on an Individualized Education Plans (IEP) due to various disabilities. This paper examines the impact of an open studio model, conducted by expressive arts therapists, on the engagement of students with social and emotional disabilities aged between 16 and 18 years old. A thematic analysis of qualitative data revealed that using an open studio model facilitated by expressive arts therapists in place of a more traditional art education class for students who require additional social and emotional assistance can foster a sense of control …

Why Disability Justice Matters In Mental Health Care And How Drama Therapists Can Help Get It Right, Anish Nakahara

Expressive Therapies Theses

Disability Justice (DJ) is an important, ever-growing aspect of mental health work that must be further explored and implemented if mental health professionals are committed to harm reduction and health equity. Drama therapy (DT) provides a unique accessibility that traditional psychotherapy does not always afford. The emphasis on encounters, relationality, and creative expression provides more avenues through which people can approach DT. Through analysis of current literature, this thesis explored the present relationship between DT and DJ, the relationship between the broader mental health care system and DJ, and how progress can continue toward competent, dignified care for disabled people. …

Respectability, Code-Switching, And Expression: Examining The Experience Of Black Expressive Arts Therapists Through A Sociolinguistic Lens, Darrien Bush

Expressive Therapies Theses

This literature review explores how the linguistic phenomenon of code-switching can be applied to expressive arts and expressive arts therapy to describe the experience of Black expressive therapists. The review outlines the evolution of the term, reasons why individuals switch codes, and how this affects their experience. The understanding of code-switching is then examined in expressive arts and the expressive arts therapy field. A history and understanding of code-switching in Black communities is also explored, connecting Black experiences of code-switching and expressive arts therapy programs. A discussion suggests that culturally relevant practices are implicitly discouraged due to dominant expectations. Future …

Hope In Times Of Helplessness: A Literature Review On The Queer Art Of Resilience And Melancholia Via The Expressive Arts, Andrew Crowthers

Expressive Therapies Theses

This thesis explores the intersection of Queer resilience, expressive arts therapy, and community-building practices within marginalized communities – particularly focusing on how Queer communities have utilized art as means of survival, perseverance, and legacy in times of struggle. Queer communities have consistently turned to artistic gestures of expression as a way to not only resist oppression, but to also preserve collective memory and identity. In a world experiencing heightened stress, disconnection, and violence, finding ways to maintain hope is critical.

Through the lenses of trauma-informed expressive arts therapy, Queer aesthetic sensibility, and Queer melancholia, this paper examines how artistic practices …

God And Psychology: How The Early Development Of Famous Psychologists Influenced Their Work, Chris Dinwiddie

Salubritas: International Journal of Spirit-Empowered Counseling

No abstract provided.

Beyond The Clinical Hour: How Counselors Can Partner With The Church To Address The Mental Health Crisis, Michelle Taylor

Salubritas: International Journal of Spirit-Empowered Counseling

No abstract provided.

A Theology Of Hope For Missing Persons And Lost Causes, Joelle Yanko

Salubritas: International Journal of Spirit-Empowered Counseling

This paper explores how unresolved tragedies—particularly missing person cases and lost causes—serve as profound reflections of the human condition and reveal the necessity of Christian eschatological hope. Missing person cases touch the deepest questions of the human soul and reveal a deep, universal longing for justice and resolution—longings that cannot be fully met within the bounds of this present life. Drawing from theological reflection, the paper argues that both suffering and miraculous resolution ultimately point toward a greater hope found in the Christian vision of union with God. This future-oriented hope, grounded in the resurrection of Christ, invites believers to …

Exploring Biblical Language In Trauma Processing, Kathy B. Hoppe

Salubritas: International Journal of Spirit-Empowered Counseling

Clients may often find themselves struggling with accessing traumatic experiences in therapy, thereby developing an avoidance of trauma that impedes healing. Strategies for reducing trauma processing may be difficult to identify effectively. This project suggests several means by which therapists can utilize the language of scripture, including scriptural narrative, metaphor, and poetry, as a therapeutic intervention with conservative Christian clients who are pursuing trauma processing. The proposed approach assists clients in explaining their traumatic events in a secure setting, hence preventing the common hyperarousal symptoms that are upsetting. The treatment can enhance the effectiveness of evidence-based practices. It incorporates several …

Walking In Promise, Living In Reality: Exploring The Mental Health Implications Of The Pentecostal Discourse Of Divine Calling, Robert D. Mcbain

Salubritas: International Journal of Spirit-Empowered Counseling

Pentecostalism places a strong emphasis on the discourse of divine calling, where individuals believe they are purposefully created, guided, and empowered by God to fulfill a specific mission. This sense of calling profoundly shapes Pentecostals’ sense of identity and purpose. Using Grounded Theory, this study analyzes open, in-depth interviews with Pentecostals in the U.S. to explore the impact of the Pentecostal discourse of divine calling on their mental health. The metaphor of ‘walking in’ one’s calling emerges as the central theme used by participants to explain the interaction between their perception of divine calling, their lived realities, and their mental …

I Am My Body: Post-Traumatic Embodying And The Unexpected Disinterring Of Childhood Spiritual Neglect, Cathy Rowan

Salubritas: International Journal of Spirit-Empowered Counseling

This autoethnographic paper investigates how an embodying approach (Focusing) unexpectedly impacts the author’s spiritual formation in the undoing of childhood relational trauma, which had resulted in a dissociative embodiment reaction. This enlivening and deepening spiritual formation process is described by means of a five-step metaphor, moving from “no-body” (dissociative disembodiment) to “I am my body” (the experience of the bodily indwelling) as her spiritual formation evolves from just intellectual belief to an embodying, experiential Christian spirituality. This life-long process is viewed through various lenses, including children’s spirituality research, trauma theology, faith development models, the writings of Thomas Merton and the …

Hoping Forward, Haley R. French

Salubritas: International Journal of Spirit-Empowered Counseling

No abstract provided.

Front Matter Salubritas 4 (2025), Editors Salubritas

Salubritas: International Journal of Spirit-Empowered Counseling

No abstract provided.

Full Issue Salubritas, Editors Salubritas

Salubritas: International Journal of Spirit-Empowered Counseling

No abstract provided.

Containing Multitudes: An Analysis Of Self, Lauren Mcneil

Dissertations, Theses, and Projects

Functioning as a capstone project in partial fulfillment of the requirements for a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Minnesota State University Moorhead, this paper offers insights from an in-depth self-analysis completed by a soon-to-be counseling graduate. The process of self-reflection and awareness in professional and personal practice has been shown to increase counselor quality and effectiveness, as well as treatment outcomes (Corey, 2020). Thus, the purpose of this project is not only to showcase the student’s mastery in counseling, but to increase self-awareness and utilize introspection in a constructive manner to benefit the growth and development …

Adolescents And Technology - The True Impact Of Tech, Paige A. Schaefer

Dissertations, Theses, and Projects

With the rapid advancement and increasing accessibility of technology, research has begun to focus on the impacts technology use can have on adolescents. Many young people think they understand how to use technology, but they may not understand the impacts it can have on their life. By having an understanding of these implications, both positive and negative, they can adjust their technology habits to increase their quality of life and set themselves up for success in the future. This paper begins with a review of the literature about the relationship between adolescents and technology followed by a training made for …

What Makes Me The Counselor I Am?, Alison M. Ayotte

Dissertations, Theses, and Projects

Throughout this self-analysis, I evaluate relevant background information, various experiences, personality assessments, and counseling theories, and reflect on how they have shaped me as the person and counselor I am today. Bowlby’s Attachment Theory and Piaget's Developmental Stage Theory are mentioned throughout most of this self-reflection piece, as well as an in-depth reflection on interviews with important people in my life. Taking the time to delve into deep levels of self-exploration has proven to be difficult, yet very rewarding. The impact of this type of internal work is infinite, and my increase in self-awareness was accomplished. A plan for continuous …

Analysis Of Self: Bloody Fingers & Bald Spots, Cregyn Demarce

Dissertations, Theses, and Projects

Abstract

The purpose of this academic capstone project is to examine the fundamental concepts of my personal self-awareness, self-concept, and self-identity. This project explored my lived experience and the impact these experiences had on my behaviors and relationships. The process of this project included exploring my relevant background information, completing assessments, administering personal interviews and reflecting on responses, developing my theoretical orientation, reflecting on the impact of this project, and plan for professional development.

Keywords: Analysis of self, capstone project, mental health counseling

Understanding My Journey: A Self Analysis Of Personal And Professional Growth., Mindy L. Ost-Schullo

Dissertations, Theses, and Projects

This self-analysis describes my personal and professional growth through the lenses of Attachment Theory, Systems Theory, Person Centered Theory and Cognitive Behavioral Theory. By reflecting on my experiences. My goal is to deepen self-awareness and enhance my effectiveness as a school counselor, The analysis connects these experiences to theoretical concepts to explore how they have shaped my empathy, resilience, and approach to counseling. Utilizing assessment tools like the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator, and ACEs Questionnaire, I will evaluate how early life events have influenced my identity, copying strategies, and professional orientation. This reflection also includes how experiences like cognitive reframing have …

Hyperfocused On Growth: An Act Group Manual For College Students With Adhd, Kathryn E. Erickson

Dissertations, Theses, and Projects

Several studies highlight the challenges faced by students with ADHD in a college setting (Bodalski, Abu-Ramadan, et al., 2023; Bodalski, Flory, et al., 2023; DuPaul et al., 2009, Mak et al., 2022; Nelson et al., 2015; Swartz et al., 2005; Willoughby & Evans, 2019). With less structure and more demands than high school, students with ADHD often struggle with self-regulation, executive functioning, self-worth, and social relationships in college. This paper addresses these concerns by creating a group therapy program for college students with ADHD. Highlighting common treatments for ADHD, this group is based in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to …

Restorative Practices In Action: A Hands-On Guide For K-12 Schools, Rosa Frazee

Dissertations, Theses, and Projects

Abstract

Restorative justice is a practice well known in many criminal justice systems but most recently gained traction in school settings. Restorative approaches prioritize fostering positive relationships, accountability, and conflict resolution through communication and understanding. This project seeks to develop a complete implementation guide for restorative practices in school settings. This guide will focus on educator's role to foster community, reduce punitive disciplinary actions and promote equity. It will also explore the blending of restorative approaches and frameworks that are already in place such as MTSS (Multi-tiered Systems of Support) and PBIS (Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports). By providing educators …

Recommendations For Telesupervision: Promoting Ethical, Legal, And Effective University And Clinical Supervision Using Technology, Madeleine M. Stevens, Yegan Pillay, Edisa Music, Elena Shahen

Journal of Counselor Preparation and Supervision

The expansion of the use of technology in counseling has implicated counseling professionals in considering how to legally and ethically incorporate it into all facets of practice, including university and clinical supervision settings. In this article, we provide scholarship-backed recommendations for doing so as well as provide suggestions for incorporating psychodynamic and cognitive-behavioral (CBT) supervision models into telesupervision.

Training Experiences Of School Counselors-In-Training To Address Child Maltreatment: A Phenomenological Study, Zachary Pietrantoni, Szu-Yu Chen, Caroline Vollaro, Margiolis Lopez, Justin Santos

Journal of Counselor Preparation and Supervision

This study explores the experiences of six school counselors-in-training (SCIT) in addressing child maltreatment through a hypothetical vignette, providing an in-depth understanding of their experiences. Four main themes and five sub-themes emerged, providing insight into their preparedness and challenges faced. These findings highlight critical areas for improvement in training programs to better equip SCIT for addressing child maltreatment in schools.

Graduate Counseling Students’ Preparedness To Practice Tele-Mental Health, Clarissa L. Salinas, Eunice Lerma, Valerie Leija, Javier Cavazos Vela, Elizabeth Zamora

Journal of Counselor Preparation and Supervision

This qualitative study explored counseling graduate students’ preparedness to provide telemental health during their internship experience. Data were collected through semistructured interviews with 11 Latine counseling graduate students’ who attended a Hispanic-Serving Institution. The following themes emerged following data analysis: (1) Challenges with Establishing Personal Relationships and Telepresence with Culturally Diverse Clients; (2) Lack of Preparation to Use Evidence-based Practices to Handle Ethical Dilemmas and Crisis Interventions; (3) Cultural Competency and Diversity; (4) Engaging Activities in a Telemental Health Counseling Environment; (5) Additional Training and Practice with Technology; and (6) Lack of Preparation to Use Telemental Health Counseling. Implications for …

Preparing Counselors For Practice With Immigrant Clients In Court Proceedings: Framing Required Knowledge, Attitudes, And Skills Within The Msjcc, Kalina M. Brabeck, Prachi Kene, James Geckler, Deborah S. Gonzalez Esq.

Journal of Counselor Preparation and Supervision

The Multicultural Social Justice Counseling Competencies (MSJCC; Ratts et al., 2016) provide a framework for defining the attitudes and beliefs, knowledge, skills, and action that counselors must develop to effectively work with clients across identities and social and cultural contexts. In this paper, we apply the MSJCC to counselors’ practice with immigrant clients within a specific context: immigration court proceedings. Evidence suggests that counselors may be hesitant to practice within forensic settings in general, and that training and education enhances their self-efficacy, effectiveness, and willingness to practice within these settings. Drawing on the MSJCC, we contribute to counselors’ knowledge end …

Integrating Addiction Counseling Competencies Into Cacrep’S Foundational Curriculum: Addressing Gaps In Pedagogy, Stephanie Robinson, Whitney P. Akers, Jeffrey M. Warren

Journal of Counselor Preparation and Supervision

Professional counselors frequently provide direct and indirect addiction counseling services with relatively little addiction-specific education and training. This lack of training results in counselors delivering services for which they are not adequately prepared. This article explores the current state of training and credentialing of addiction counselors, the addiction-specific gaps that currently exist in CACREP’s foundational curriculum, and the duty accredited programs have to ensure counseling students are trained to provide care to all who seek treatment. A conceptual model for integrating culturally responsive addiction-specific education into CACREP’s foundational curriculum and a hypothetical timeline for implementation are provided. We discuss the …